Elementary education majors at Fort Hays State University will soon be eligible for a scholarship in the name of educators Larry and Sarah Bowman.

Larry and Sarah Merten Bowman graduated from Fort Hays Kansas State College in 1958. He received his master's degree in 1959. Sarah taught elementary school in rural Ellis County and later in Albuquerque, N.M., where Larry completed his Ph.D. in history.

Larry first taught at Pittsburg State University and then at the University of North Texas in Denton, until he retired in 1998. "His research and teaching specialties were colonial and revolutionary America and the history of baseball," said Curtis Bowman their son. Bowman's numerous publications included the books "Captive Americans: Prisoners During the American Revolution" and "Before the World Series: Pride, Profits and Baseball's First Championships."

"The Bowmans took pride in the education they received at Fort Hays State and had fond memories of their years on the campus," said Cathy Van Doren, director of annual giving at the FHSU Endowment Association. "This scholarship fulfills their desire to support the students at FHSU."

The scholarship in the Bowmans' name has been established with the FHSU Endowment Association by their son, Dr. Curtis Bowman, Denton, Texas. The scholarship will be awarded annually. The first will be awarded in the fall of 2008.

The FHSU Endowment Association is an independent, non-profit corporation designated by the state of Kansas to receive gifts on behalf of Fort Hays State University.